Bethany women, men sweep Friends University

Coming off a 2-1 overtime loss to Kansas Wesleyan University last weekend, the Bethany College men's soccer team returned to the field to host Friends University Wednesday night.

By BC SportsInformation

Coming off a 2-1 overtime loss to Kansas Wesleyan University last weekend, the Bethany College men's soccer team returned to the field to host Friends University Wednesday night.The Falcons of Friends University took an early lead as they netted a goal just 12 minutes into the game.The Swedes answered back with five minutes left in the first half on a goal by senior Lewis Collins.Bethany tacked on another goal just before the end of the first half as sophomore Trevor Kistler scored for the Swedes, assisted by Collins.The Falcons of Friends University tied the game at two, scoring seven minutes into the second half.The Falcons goal was the lone score of the second half as Bethany and Friends ended regulation time with a 2-2 tie.Just 1:03 into overtime, Collins scored the winning goal for the Swedes, assisted by sophomore Luis Fernando Pinto. The goal secured Bethany a 3-2 overtime victory over Friends University.Collins totaled five shots on the night, followed by junior Lucas Procopio with four and senior Admir Balicevac with three. Junior goalkeeper Kayo Vaz recorded seven saves, allowing two goals."I am glad we were able to win a game in overtime," Bethany head coach Kevin Megli said. "We needed a good win against a tough team. On a night that we did not play well, we were able to escape with a win against a tough opponent."The Swedes are now 3-1-2 in the KCAC, and 7-3-3 overall. In the women’s tilt, The Swedes took an early 1-0 lead as freshman Paige Wolny scored for Bethany.Wolny's goal was the only score of the first half as the Swedes held a 1-0 halftime lead.Bethany extended their lead to 2-0 just over nine minutes into the second half as Wolny scored her second goal of the night, assisted by freshman Sarah Henderson.The Swedes tacked on their third goal 14 minutes later on a corner kick. Senior Tessa Kuhlengel recorded the goal, and Henderson earned the assist.Bethany scored for the fourth and final time with just eight minutes remaining in the game on a goal by sophomore Jeana-Brinae Russell.The Swedes continued on to defeat the Falcons of Friends University 4-0.Bethany outshot Friends 26-3. Wolny tallied five shots on the night as Henderson, Kuhlengel, junior Nichole Washburn, and sophomore Christina Noonan added four each. Freshman goalkeeper Jovana Canales recorded the shutout with two saves."We had a slow start, but slowly found the rhythm to score four," Swede coach Sean McMannis said. "Paige Wolny scored the first two goals and set the tone for the rest of the team. Tessa and Jeana added one each. It is nice to be 5-1 in conference. We just need to continue this momentum."The Swedes are currently 5-1 in the KCAC, and 7-6 overall. The squads travel to Tabor College on Saturday. The women kick off at 1 p.m., the men at 3 p.m.